Banjo paterson biography poems audio

Biography Andrew Barton Paterson ('Banjo')

Poet Biography

"Banjo" Paterson's poetry and stories, still popular to this day, are among the best writings of our national culture, often evoking a strong affection for, and affinity with, the Australian bush and community.

Andrew Barton Paterson (later to use the pseudonym of "The Banjo" for his magazine writings; an alias derived from the name of a racehorse the family owned) was born of pioneering stock, near Orange in New South Wales, on 17 February 1864. He excelled not only in his studies but was an all-round sportsman. He had a deep affection for horses, being a natural horseman, winning note as an amateur rider, and, not surprisingly, many of his works have a "horse theme".

In 1885 he commenced contributing to The Bulletin magazine, at that time a significant force for Australian nationalism, whic